Granados 12 Danzas Españolas

Gonzalo Soriano (pf)

Pristine AudioPAKM029

55 minutes

These 12 Spanish Dances are much-loved
emblematic sonic depictions of different
regions of the Iberian Peninsula, reportedly
written between 1892 and 1900. The
Spanish Dance No 5, Andaluza, marked
‘Andantino, quasi allegretto’ has endured
myriad transcriptions, although the
original piano version, especially when
performed by Eduardo del Pueyo (on
Philips 442751) or Alicia de Larrocha (on
Decca 414557) conveys a magnetic lyrical
spirituality. The present recording by the
Alicante-born Soriano (1913-1972),
emphasising elegance and grace, was
originally released in 1956 on the Ducretet-
Thomson label and here benefits from a
superior sonic restoration by Pristine. Yet
Soriano’s playing is still infused with a
discreet sense of mystery, along the lines of
the restrained religious aura in works by his
musical mentor, composer Manuel de Falla.